Hey everybody, I was just wondering if I could get some information on the MP99. When I first started playing badminton a few years back, I would always goto a shop and see this yellow mustard-like racket on the rack and always think to myself "i want that racket" but of course back in the day I wasn't that good and would in no way spend that kind of money on a racket (oh how times have changed...). When I finally got to a level where I was willing to spend >$100 CAD on a racket, the MP99 was being phased out and the price skyrocketed! Was it really that popular and fun to use? And is it purely a collector's item now? The reason I ask is because I have a friend who has a genuine and brand new unstrung MP99 he is willing to sell me but I have no clue whether to buy it or not since I've never touched one. I'm not really a big collector or rackets, I just stock up on the ones I like in case I break strings or the racket itself during a tournament =P I've also heard that it is like an Arc10 but not as durable, any comment? Thanks for the help! Wallace
If I was you I would buy your friends one, it's rare to find the MP99 in such a condition. The MP99 IMO is as collectable as the AT700 (1st gen) and Ti10 (1st gen) although perhaps not as sought after as the forementioned rackets. it was a very good racket, and something I would consider buying if I found. It is similar to the Arc10, I can't comment on durabiity that varies depending on user and luck. It was and still is a very popular racket, but generally users of it (that i know of) who switch rackets regularly have used AT900P (4U) and ArcSabers 10 and 8DX. These are probably the most similar rackets to the MP99.
MP99 is a great doubles racket. Great balance, not head heavy and cumbersome but not headlight & no power. Depending on the price of course, but I don't think you would regret buying one & if you do someone will buy it off you on the forum I am sure.
I would have bought it for my collection and reused my old one where with some paint chips off. To a collector, a brand new racket from the old generation is worth a lot. To play with it, it's rather a Carbonex with isometric head. It's not as stiff as the modern rackets so there is not really a good replacement. Arcsabers are the replacements as for the balance, but they are not the same...
any of the classics are collectable items: http://www.badmintoncentral.com/forums/showthread.php/86114-The-end-of-the-Yonex-quot-classics-quot
